Reflecting on 2022
As Downtown Knoxville rings in the New Year, we're reflecting on the wonderful things 2022 brought. Read on to see some of the highlights worth celebrating, from new restaurants to retail stores plus more.
If you missed any of these new businesses in the central business district, make sure you add them to your list to visit in 2023.
New Restaurants, Bars, Retail Shops & More!
✨ In January 2022, the former Holiday Inn adjacent to World’s Fair Park reopened as Marriott Downtown including a restaurant, coffee shop, fitness facility, and more. New ownership, rebranding, and a complete redevelopment pumped new life and vitality into a downtown legacy.
🦪 The Brass Pearl is a fun, lively, and authentic raw oyster bar in Market Square serving up fresh seafood and creative cocktails. The charming atmosphere has a personality all of its own, just like sister restaurants Stock & Barrel and Chivo.
☕ Frothy Monkey is a Nashville-based coffee shop that's come to Gay Street. The all-day café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with coffee, wine, beer, and cocktails. It's quickly become a local favorite!
🖼️ Arrowmont Gallery is an exhibition space for Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts located on the 100 block of Gay Street. It's open during First Fridays, along with some weekend hours.
📚 Addison's is an exceptional bookstore specializing in rare and old books with great covers, bindings, and illustrations. They offer thousands of unique finds, plus The Tea Bar inside brews exquisite Chinese teas!
🎁 Bethie Lou's is a fabulous gift shop in the Old City that boasts unique jewelry, humorous décor, bar accessories, kitchen ware, and more—something for every member of the family.
🌿 The Holistic Connection is a cannabis dispensary and dab bar on the 700 block of Gay Street. They offer edibles, smokeables, and other cannabis and hemp-derived products.
🎉 Connected to the recently redeveloped Marriott Downtown, Maker Exchange is a multiuse space designed to showcase and celebrate the city’s artistic community. It's a place to connect with friends or clients, a place to shop "The Curio" (a shoppable display of Knoxville-made items), and an event space for conferences, receptions, and more!
🖌️ One of our city's favorite illustrators/muralists opened Paris Woodhull Illustrations in 2022! The retail storefront on the 100 block of Gay Street is also an artist studio and print shop.
😄 Smiley Aesthetics opened on Union Ave with a passion for helping everyone enhance their natural beauty with injectables, weight loss, and health and wellness.
🏠 As part of the redevelopment of the former State Supreme Court site, The Tribute opened on the corner of Locust St and Cumberland Ave. The multiuse apartment space offers flexible options to guests seeking a one-night stay or month-long accommodations.
🐰 Alice in Appalachia is a unique concept combining cocktails and shopping in Market Square. On one side, Down the Rabbit Hole is an all-day bar serving coffee, tea, and cocktails, while the other side Through the Looking Glass is a retail space with funky tea pots, mirrors, pottery, and more!
🐟 Harvest boasts a fresh seasonal menu and an exquisite wine selection. Their original location is in Bearden, while their second location opened on the 100 block of Gay Street.
💚 Pretentious Beer Co launched a new kitchen concept with the owners of Seoul Brothers: Hong's Kitchen! The Asian-fusion menu has options for every dietary preference from vegan to gluten-free.
🍵 The Spice & Tea Exchange brings a bit of spice to Downtown Knoxville. The nationwide franchise offers a variety of fine spices, handcrafted seasonings, loose-leaf teas, salts, sugars, gifts, and more. Now on Gay Street!
🐼 Red Panda Grocery is a little grocery market in the Old City opened by Kaizen's owner Jesse Newmister. They offer a grocery and candy section, as well as a hot menu with baked wings, sandwiches, hotdogs, and more.
Thanks to all who made 2022 a little brighter. #LoveDowntownKnox